Best Wireless Routers of 2018 – Top Affordable Wireless Routers

Select The Best Wireless Router & Enjoy Multimedia In More Thrilling Way

In today’s date, people cannot possibly think life without having the access of a wireless router in home, office or other workable places. World has taken a great leap in advancement with the advent of internet and almost all household requires a good wireless router to make life easier and handy.

However, the need of wireless routers comes especially while accessing the internet in mobile phones. Otherwise the whole thing becomes quite peeving. Finding out the best wireless router is not at all much easy.

To help you find a good Wi-Fi Router, we have brought up the list of the best wireless routers after long online research and testing.

BEST WIRELESS ROUTERS FOR EVERY BUDGET – 2018

All our listed Wi-Fi routers might not be for all because there are some products that might seem to be quite high-priced. But you can be sure that all our picked best wireless routers possess all great features to be in our top list.

THE BEST WIRELESS ROUTER – 2018

1. TP Link Archer AC5400 WI-FI Router

TP Link Archer AC5400 Wi-Fi Router, NitroQAM and 4 Stream operates together to make the device run faster. 4 Stream offers additional data streaming to every Wi-Fi band for total four streams each band and NitroQAM aids every stream to quickly process the data. These two upgraded features enhance throughput entirely by 67% than the general Tri-Band wireless routers. It lets to play the highest setting games along with streaming live videos at the same fast internet speed.

FEATURES: This wireless router can be said to be the best for games as Smart Connect and MU-MIMO work together to provide the best wireless connections without any lag. The Archer C5400, X-Stream 1.4GHz Dual Core processor helps to keep the Wi-Fi run smoothly. Hence, you can relax at home and enjoy 4K movies, online games and music.

VERDICT: TP-Link AC5400 Tri-Band wireless router will be the right option for those users who only want strong signal for accessing web in phones, tablets, laptops and is not interested much to see whether the router can see the other device.

BEST WI-FI ROUTER FOR BUSY HOMES

2. Netgear Nighthawk R8500 – AC5300 X8

Netgear Nighthawk R8500 – AC5300, with this Wi-Fi router you will be enjoying the fastest internet speed up to 5.3Gbps. The Tri Band Wi-Fi along with the performance of Quad Stream faster this mixed Wi-Fi speed of X8. This wireless router is the next big wave in the world of Wi-Fi. There are four Active Antennas externally in addition to four Internal Antennas which in turn boost the range of Wi-Fi.

FEATURES: It features Ethernet ports of six gigabit and this means that more other devices will be able to connect. The feature, Smart Connect automatically selects the fastest wireless band for each device. The MU-MIMO has the capability to stream the data simultaneously to one or more devices. The powerful QoS prioritizes gaming and video streaming.

VERDICT: Netgear AC5300 X8 Triband wireless router is overall quite impressive. It is powerful and offers great speed. The router can connect many devices easily with the Ethernet speed of six gigabit. It might not be the best wireless router for some, its bugs and hefty price but overall can deliver good connection.

BEST DD-WRT ROUTER

3. Linksys AC3200 – Best Router For DD-WRT

Linksys WRT AC3200, This product features the technology of MU-MIMO and Tri-Stream 160 which in turn deliver the fastest Wi-Fi performance simultaneously to many devices. The unique feature of Tri-Stream 160 is not present in other wireless routers but has been possible in this device only for the certification of Dynamic Frequency Selection. It doubles the 5GHz bandwidth to regulate heavy data activity with the fastest Wi-Fi speeds of 2.6 Gbps.

FEATURES: This wireless router has several kinds of ports that can connect to USB and eSATA hard drives, flash drives, network printers and many more. The MU-MIMO technology made WRT AC3200 handle easily the simultaneous online bandwidth activities like playing games, streaming 4K movies, downloading files at the same speed and time without any lagging.

VERDICT: To conclude, Linksys WRT AC3200 is overall a good router that can provide concurrent demand for reaching 2.4GHz and speeding on 5GHz spectrum. However, this statement is given comparing it to WRT 1900AC but not with others.

BEST WI-FI ROUTER FOR LARGE HOMES

4. Asus RT-AC88U AC3100 WiFi Router

Asus RT-AC88U AC3100, this wireless router is equipped with the advanced 4 by 4 802.11ac MU-MIMO Technology along with LAN ports of 8 gigabits. The eight gigabit ports make this device perfect for gaming set-up boxes, computers and other devices that require steadfast gigabit connection.

FEATURES: The router features 1.4 GHz dual core processor having 512 MB memory. The four-receive, four-transmit antenna design has improved the signal stability and Wi-Fi range dramatically.The MU-MIMO technology allows many devices to connect without lagging at the same time. The feature of AiProtection provides protection against online threats at every stage starting from malicious blocking of site and vulnerability protection to averting infected internet devices from transferring data. It also features the advanced ASUSWRT user interface.

VERDICT: Asus RT-AC88U AC3100 Dual Band Router is great in terms of technology and connectivity but the speed suffers a lot. If you are a gamer or a high speed user. Then this might not be the best router for you. But, if you don’t require much speed then this is a great alternative.

BEST WIRELESS ROUTER FOR SMOOTH USERS

5. TP-Link OnHub AC1900 WiFi Router – Google

TP-Link OnHub AC1900 Wi-Fi Router which allows the users to enjoy undisturbed gaming and streaming with 1900 mbps Wi-Fi speeds. It also increase the speed while downloading a big file or streaming movies. The 13 internal powerful antennas knock out the Wi-Fi deadly zones. It offers great coverage and is designed uniquely circular for keeping it in the open.

FEATURES: OnHub maintains the fastest Wi-Fi speeds even if it has multiple devices connected to. At the same time, users will be able to download, share, stream and play games. The network can be controlled from Smartphone through the Google On app.

VERDICT: TP-Link OnHub AC1900 Wi-Fi Router can be said to be a good wireless router which comes even in less price compared to the above ones. It offers good Wi-Fi strength and covers a good range. And the best part is the Google On app. It makes the setup simple and operates any issues within no less time.

BEST WI-FI ROUTER FOR GAMING AND STREAMING

6. Netgear Nighthawk R8000 – AC3200 WI-FI Router

Netgear Nighthawk R8000 – AC3200 (X6), this device delivers the fastest wireless speed of 3.2Gbps. This assures of undisturbed streaming. It provides Wi-Fi to many devices and the Dynamic QoS bandwidth increase the internet speed for Streaming and Gaming. The router has high performance six antennas and potential amplifiers that increase the range.

FEATURES: The feature of Smart Connect selects intelligently the best Wi-Fi for each device. Nighthawk X6 is equipped with 1 GHz dual core processor that allows the gamers to play without any lagging. It has the 3.0 USB ports that provide high speed. The best of the router is the Free ReadySHARE Vault app. It automatically schedule backup for PCs of Windows on house network.

VERDICT: Netgear Nighthawk X6 Tri Band Router is overall a good router which has little shortcomings. The internet speed of 3.2Gbps is something that almost all gamers or internet users want. The Free ReadySHARE Vault app is the feature that makes this device more suitable to be in our list of wireless routers.

BEST ROUTER FOR SMOOTH GAMING AND STREAMING

7. Asus RT-AC87U AC2400 – Gigabit WI-FI Router

Asus RT-AC87U AC2400, If an aggressive, classy designed wireless router is your choice, then this is the good router for you. The dual core processor loaded in this device can handle network trafficking efficiently over 2.4 or 5.0GHz wireless bands, USB 3.0, 2.0 networking/storage functionality and 4 Ethernet Gigabit ports.The 4 by 4 antenna dramatically improved the signal stability and Wi-Fi range delivering the farthest stretched signal. The NAT hardware enables 2 to 5 time faster performance of WAN to LAN vs. customary software based NAT.

FEATURES: The AiProtection offers protection against online threats at every stage. It even prevents the devices that are already infected to transmit any data. Asus RT-AC87U features the intuitive, enhanced ASUSWRT user interface which makes the three step installation process easy. This wireless router also comes with the Asus Router app which will help to manage the router easily.

VERDICT: Overall, Asus RT-AC87U can be a like able router for networking lovers. This wireless router is designed well and equipped with lots of features that would simply allure you to it more.

8. Linksys AC1200 DD-WRT WI-FI Router

The Linksys WRT AC1200 Dual Band Router. This wireless router provides high and secured WI-FI speed along with stability. In order to render fast and reliable coverage of wireless connection in home, the device is equipped with high-performance two antennas which in turn boost 2.4 and 5 GHz dual band Wi-Fi connection. The 1.3 GHz Dual core ARM CPU handles the requirements of high-bandwidth networks of home. It offers consistent signal strength while playing games online or streaming videos.

FEATURES: The four Gigabit Ethernet ports increase the speed up to 10 times compared to Fast Ethernet. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup, WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall will keep the illegal users away from accessing data. Parental Control feature will help you to restrict children from accessing the Internet.

VERDICT: If you are only interested to get Wi-Fi network, then Linksys WRT AC1200 would do what you want. But in that case a cheaper router can also do the same. If you are interested in settings and features, it might not be the best option to pick.

BEST Wi-Fi ROUTER FOR THE PRICE

9. TRENDnet AC3200 Tri Band WI-FI Router

Trendnet AC3200, that delivers the fastest speed Wi-Fi connection up to 3200 Mbps. This allows in streaming HD videos, movies or games in home without any interruption. The device comes with two USB connections, four gigabit Ethernet ports. The Smart Connect feature manages automatically both Wi-Fi AC bands of 1.3 Gbps by accumulating slow devices on one band while fast devices on the other band.

FEATURES: Trendnet AC3200 consists of the tools like guest network, parental controls, pre-encrypted Wi-Fi that protects the home networks. This wireless router is well-suited with DD-WRT open source firmware. The 1GHz dual core processor boosts the network throughput. Trendnet AC3200 is equipped with Beamforming Technology that checks wireless signals in the receiving appliance instead of simply delivering Wi-Fi signals in normal direction.

VERDICT: Trendnet AC3200 can be said to be a good wireless router for normal users. The shortcomings are not much which makes it a preferable device. It is a good alternative for expensive routers.

BEST WIRELESS ROUTER UNDER $100

10. TP Link Archer C7 – AC1750 WI-FI Router

TP Link Archer C7 – AC1750 will just make internet users stop thinking about buffering. This wireless router delivers dual band high speed Wi-Fi which would allow the users to stream HD movies and online games without any lagging. The dual bands of 2.4GHz and 5GHz let many more devices to get connected to the home network instantly. The dual USB ports easily connect devices to the router and allow sharing videos, photos, files, music quickly through wireless connection.

VERDICT: Apart from some minor shortcomings, there is not much to write bad about TP Link Archer C7. This router is equipped with plenty of features to make this the perfect choice of yours. However, it is reported to work only 5GHz range so if you have a devices that functions on 2.4GHz, then you might not need it.

11. Netgear R6400 – AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router

AN ALTERNATE TO TP LINK ARCHER C7: Netgear AC1750, which gives the access of 3x faster speed to stream in mobile devices and home PCs. The dual band and Beamforming Technology allow playing games in highest setting and streaming HD videos smoothly. The upgraded QoS is optimized for Smoother Gaming and HD Streaming. The Ready Cloud USB Access permits to enjoy secure and personal cloud access anytime to USB storage.

FEATURES: Netgear AC1750 Wi-Fi router consists of the security features like guest network access, parental controls and Secure Wi-Fi connections to offer wireless security. It features high-powered external antennas that refine the coverage of Wi-Fi. More than 12 devices can be connected to this router. This wireless router comes even with Netgear genie App.

VERDICT: The Netgear AC1750 can be regarded as a good wireless router. It has good features and renders great Wi-Fi speed. However, the range that it covers might not seem exceptional compared to other wireless routers. Overall, it can offer better performance.

12. Linksys AC1750 Dual Band Router

Linksys AC1750 (MU-MIMO) Wi-Fi Router, you will be able to enjoy lag free, fast Wi-Fi speed on many devices. This wireless router features Next Gen AC Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO technology which actually delivers signals to many devices at the same speed and time. The Dual Band speeds of 1.7Gbps allow fastest streaming of HD videos, online games, and all other activities of high bandwidth.

FEATURES: Linksys AC1750 MU-MIMO Gigabit router features high-gain three antennas that offer reliable and robust signal. The free Smart Wi-Fi App is supported by Android and iOS devices. It offers information about Wi-Fi of home; send Wi-Fi passwords to guest, and helps in setting parental controls for security.

VERDICT: Well, Linksys AC1750 MU-MIMO Gigabit wireless router will please you at a greater extent with its excellent features and It provides plenty of things in this price range and has no such issues that would make it out from your choice. It can be said that there is probably no better wireless router in this price than this model.

13. Apple Airport Extreme Base Station (ME918LL/A)

It is the sixth generation. Apple Airport Extreme Base Station, It features 802.11ac dual band WI-FI support for transmitting both frequencies of 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time. You won’t have to worry about connectivity, no matter which wireless devices bad you use. It can reach the data speed up to 1.3Gbps with 802.11ac three stream technology.

FEATURES: Apple Airport Extreme Base Station is equipped with six antennas, three for 2.4GHz and other three for 5GHz. Along with wireless 802.11ac technology, the router allows connecting fast with more power. The router is designed vertical to take up less space and improve the performance of Wi-Fi.

VERDICT: There is lot of things to like Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. The product is an indication of good performance including range, signal quality and reliable features which make it sufficient to become the best wireless router of your choice.

BEST CHEAP WIRELESS ROUTER

14. D-Link AC1200 (DIR-842) WI-FI Router

The D-Link AC1200 WI-FI Router which comes with dual band features, that means, browsing the web on one band and streaming multimedia on the other. The high-gain antennas provide a wide coverage in the house. The Gigabit ports can connect four wired devices. It offers Wi-Fi speed up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz while 867GHz on 5GHz. This provides the opportunity to stream HD or 3D multimedia faster.

VERDICT: Overall, D-Link AC1200 is one of the best wireless router which covers excellent range with steady Wi-Fi speed. This wireless router is definitely recommended for being a reliable and affordable model specifically for those who have fret about backdoors of Chinese manufacturers.

15. Netgear R6220 – AC1200 Smart WI-FI Router

SMALL BUT POWERFUL: Our last but not the least pick of the best wireless routers, Netgear R6220 – AC1200 that provides the reliability, range and speed that you want. This wireless router comes with external antennas that deliver incredible speed up to 1200Mbps. It can easily connect more than eight Wi-Fi devices. The router is equipped with 880 MHz processor that renders high-performance connectivity. It has the advanced QoS that boosts streaming of online games and HD media.

FEATURES: Netgear AC1200 comes with good security features which include parental controls, guest network access and secure Wi-Fi connections. Parental controls will prevent children from accessing the internet and the guest network access will prevent outsiders to access your data. With the Netgear genie App, you can easily install as well as connect, control and monitor the home network from Android, iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.

VERDICT: The overall performance is pretty well by Netgear AC1200. However, some of the minor issues might make it eliminated from your choice list. It might not the best option to choose but the router can be a good option for the normal internet users.

Conclusion

Finding out an ideal router is not at all an easy task and this is when such a list comes handy. The list is made after careful analysis and keeping in mind the requirements of customers. We hope that our list of the best wireless routers will help you a lot in selecting the best for you. But if there are any other good options for wireless router that we have missed, please let us know.